JEYPORE: The rift in Koraput district Congress came out in the open on Thursday as two groups of the party staged different demonstrations against corruption here.Hundreds of Congress activists, led by Jeypore legislator Tara Prasad Bahinipati, staged a dharna in front of Borrigumma block office protesting corruption in development works being undertaken in the blocks. They also locked the office of Block Development Officer (BDO) for hours. Bahinipati alleged that the officials, in collusion with some BJD representatives, have been indulging in corruption by seeking bribes from beneficiaries of several welfare schemes.
The party workers demanded a probe by the district Collector into the issue. The blockade of the office of the BDO was lifted after intervention by Jeypore sub-collector LN Dalbehera, who assured that the allegations will be probed.On the other hand, at a meeting at Boipariguda, Congress working president Pradeep Majhi criticised both the State and Central governments for failing to ensure development of rural areas and tribals in KBK region.
He asserted that the party would do its best for the welfare of people in rural areas if it comes to power in the 2019 elections. Koraput legislator Krushana Sagaria and Laxmipur legislator Kailash Kulesika were among those present at the party meeting.